MONTHLY Cost Of Living In the Philippines 2024 (Budget Tips)

If you’re considering moving to the Philippines, now is the perfect time to do it! With the Cost Of Living In The Philippines ranging from $605 per Month in the rural areas to $2000 per Month in the Philippines metropolitan areas living on a luxury budget, there’s sure to be a budget that accommodates your needs.

We’ve been digital nomads for almost 7 years and have been traveling the globe since then, so we’ll share our experiences with you! Ready to begin your dream destination to live for a few months in the Philippines? Let’s do it!

Table of Contents

Why Should You Move to The Philippines?

The cost of living is low compared to other developed countries, and you will have access to some of the most iconic landmarks and beaches in the world without spending a fortune on travel expenses.

With the economy expanding, more and more people are moving to the country every day. This post will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about living in the Philippines.

According to recent reports, the average person in the Philippines earns around PHP 58,000 per Month. This is a significant increase from previous years, as the average income is around PHP 46,000.

Living in The Philippines is a dream that’s possible, and the affordable Cost Of Living In the Philippines makes it possible!

• The Philippines is truly an incredible tropical paradise that is 3 times cheaper than living in New York City, as I show you in the video above!
• The Philippines has incredible weather, fantastic scenery, an incredible Filipino culture, spectacular views, and destinations.
• The affordable cost of living In the Philippines, With a monthly income from $600 to $2000, it is possible to live for even as low as $600, which we will discuss later in this article, but we don’t recommend that because it is stressful. The monthly food budget, housing expenses, and transportation options in the Philippines are determined by your budget and spending habits, depending on how much you spend.

Cost Of Living in The Philippines Quick Facts:

The Philippines has world-class weather, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, World class islands, nature, Jungles, incredible mountains, wildlife, incredible adventures to make, world class waterfalls and incredibly diverse unique cultures around the country, and a thriving digital nomad, expat community.

•  Here’s a breakdown of some key expenses: Total Monthly Living Costs in The Philippines Is $600 to $2000 Per Month For all expenses, and if you budget smartly, you can expect to spend $1000 to $1400 per month for all expenses.
•   The Philippines is 8 times cheaper than New York City, United States.
•   The Philippines has incredible countryside, jungles, Mountains, Surfing, safaris, beaches, and more. You can find anything and incredible things to do in The Philippines.
•   With a monthly income of less than $1500 is possible to live well, and sometimes even as low as $600 per month if you are on a tight, extreme budget, which we will discuss later in this article. The monthly rent in The Philippines, food budget, housing expenses, and transportation options in The Philippines are determined by your budget and spending habits, depending on how much you spend.
•  You would need around 2,000$ (110,980.00 PHP) in The Philippines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 9,500.00$ in New York, NY.
• On average, the cost of living in The Philippines is 81% lower than in the United States.
•  on average, Rent In The Philippines is 81% less than in New York City, New York.
• The range of costs is from $600 to $2000 + per month, depending on your budget and your spending habits.
•    A budget food and grocery plan will cost you around $200 to $400 per month, although this will vary depending on your location and budget.
• A family of four estimated monthly costs is $2000.
•  A single person estimated monthly costs are $800 to $1500.
• Transportation costs expect to spend an estimated $100 to $200 each month on transportation.
•     The average monthly cost of living in The Philippines is $300 For the Local Natives. Expats and Digital Nomads will spend more to keep up with their living standards of around $1000 to $1500 per month while Living in The Philippines.
•    The Philippines has amazing local food that you should try, which is another tip to save money. While living in The Philippines, try to eat at the local markets and local supermarkets. You will save a lot of money doing this.

Our Personal Costs of Living in The Philippines: Table of expenses Breakdown 2024

This Is a table of expenses of what we spent living as digital nomads each month in The Philippines. Sometimes, we spent less or more depending on the month.

Our Average Monthly Costs In The Philippines went as follows:

• Rent and accommodation in The Philippines, $320 a month for a studio apartment condo near the local food markets and gyms, saved us even more on food and transportation.
• Food and Groceries Cost in The Philippines was $200 – $400 per month. We always ate the local food and street food and did weekly grocery shopping at the local supermarkets to save money.
• Monthly Utilities in The Philippines were around $100 a month for electricity, water, wifi, and phone data combined.
• Gym: We trained at a MMA, Muay Thai, and jiujitsu gym and worked out at a local weightlifting gym. Altogether the cost was $80 per month.
• The cost of Transportation was around $100 to $200 per month between renting a scooter and grab.
• Activities and things to do in The Philippines were around $80 to $150 per month.
• Total Monthly cost of living in the Philippines cost us $920 to $1,400 per month (PHP 51,044.82 – PHP 77,676.90)

Here is a table of Expenses for what we personally spent in The Philippines:

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in The Philippines Summary Cost Of Rent, Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare: $600 to $2000 Per Month (PHP 33,287.40 – PHP 110,959.00)

You can live in the Philippines for around $600 a month for all expenses on a tight budget or $2000 a month if you live more on the luxurious side. (PHP 33,287.40 – PHP 110,959.00)

Regardless, you can still maintain a low monthly budget and enjoy all the beautiful things the Philippines offers.

As of 2024, the most expensive city to live in is Manila, while Cebu City and the smaller towns are the cheapest.

Research the different cities in the Philippines before deciding to move there.

This will help you identify which city has the best budget for you.

An ideal monthly budget for a single person living in the Philippines is around $1,100 to $2000 a month. You can do it for cheaper, but we don’t recommend that.

There are many ways to save money, such as eating inexpensively (which we will discuss later) and using public transportation.

The costs of living in The Philippines Depending on various factors and spending habits, the price may change. Others spend $3000 or more each Month for an extravagant, next-level lifestyle. $600 per Month on a strict budget, ensuring they make it work no matter what!

• Expect to spend $600 to $2000 per Month for a single person or a family living in The Philippines. $1000 per Month is sufficient to live on, but you’ll have to make sacrifices if you choose this option. Renting and food costs will be cut in half if you split the money with families, friends, and couples. 
• Going to a touristy food place and spending $30 to $100+ on a simple plate of food is not a good idea and not good if you are trying to budget.
• Plus, you save money when you eat at the local Filipino markets, food trucks, or local restaurants will cost you $.50 to $5 for a huge meal that will provide better nutrition and save you more than a touristy food place.
• However, the costs skyrocket if you want to eat at tourist restaurants or beach clubs.
•  The most cost-effective and knowledgeable ways to shop and eat are in local Filipino markets, food shops, and supermarkets. Since most of the food and produce comes from local farms, islands, villages, and the sea, you’re getting the finest cuisine available and helping to support the local economy. You will find everything you need from the local markets.

Here is a table of expenses for a couple living in The Philippines per month:

Cost of Living in The Philippines: Table of Expenses in 2024

Planning a trip to the Philippines? This table of expenses will help you stay within your budget.

The Cost of living table below An extensive poll of Digital Nomads, Expats, travelers, and Numbeo users was used to put this together.

$1 USD equals 58.17 Philippine pesos as of the posting of this article. This estimate is based on a Strict Budget Vs. A luxury Budget in The Philippines per Month! The Cost Of Living Per Month In The Philippines is $600- $2000 or more, depending on your spending habits!

Here is the Table of the monthly budget for two people living in the Philippines:

Cost of Rent In The Philippines In-Depth Summary

Some popular areas to rent in the Philippines include Makati City and Quezon City. Remember that rent in these areas can be expensive, so be prepared to budget accordingly. It’s also important to know that there are various types of apartments to choose from – condo units, family homes, and townhouses.

Be sure to research locally or on Airbnb or expat and digital nomad Facebook groups that can help you find the perfect place to call home.

Renting an apartment monthly, either in person or from Airbnb, will be your best option if you’re looking for a place in The Philippines. On average, apartments in The Philippines cost $150 to $2000 per Month on Airbnb and maybe cheaper if you search locally, but you will have to pay an upfront deposit, so if you go through Airbnb, you don’t have to pay a deposit, so this is why I choose Airbnb.

Renting a home with two or more rooms will cost you around $2200 per Month if you’re looking for something more spacious and want to live on the Island without spending too much.

• You’ll have to choose between renting a studio, flat, or villa, sharing the rent, or living alone.
• To save money and you should eat food locally, look for an apartment in the surrounding areas close to local markets and restaurants. This is a fantastic tip that I use all the time.
• Hotel websites offer the Philippine’s most costly vacation rentals for approximately $100 per night. This is the wrong decision. This is the situation that most individuals fall into because they need help understanding they can live cheaply and for better value. You should be Renting an Airbnb for three days, visiting various places until you find the one that suits you best to live monthly, and talking with digital nomads and expats are all excellent strategies to determine where to stay. Everyone has someone they can turn to for help. The majority of people choose monthly rentals to save money.
• Digital Nomads in the Philippines, Digital Nomads in The Philippines, and Expats in The Philippines are just a few of the Facebook groups available. For you, Facebook groups are a fantastic resource! It might be an excellent place to start. Westerners are in charge of these flats. You’re more likely to save money by going directly to the source or using Airbnb.
• There are lodges, Homestays, Airbnb, Guesthouses, and Bed and breakfasts In The Philippines for affordable rates. Never fall for the hotel nightly option and expensive touristic locations.

Rent in the Philippines

Deciding where to live in the Philippines can be a daunting task. It’s important to factor in the monthly cost of living as this will help you calculate your budget accurately. With so many different neighborhoods and islands to choose from, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. One excellent option is to rent in Manila, known for its high population density and all it offers, or go for an island.

For example, you can find great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife at your fingertips.

You can find some pretty incredible and beautiful places for around $300-$500 a month, including a lovely outdoor pool and a gym.

For example, a spacious condo in Lapu-Lapu with 3 beds, high-speed internet, a pool, and a kitchen will cost you $432 a month!

If you want to experience a more luxurious stay in the Philippines, you’re considering spending around $600 on rent.
$600 can get a penthouse in Manila with a huge pool and incredible views overlooking the city.

Rent in the Philippines Vs USA

There’s no doubt that rent in the Philippines is much lower than rent in the US. Around $150 to $600 monthly for a beautiful apartment in the Philippines vs. $3000 + monthly in New York City for a simple studio. This makes it an affordable option for anyone looking to relocate or start a new career.

When selecting a property, be sure to take into account the location and amenities as well as the rent. Be sure to research different properties to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Monthly Rent in The Philippines: Table of Expenses in 2024

It’s time to start budgeting for the year 2024! This article will provide a detailed overview of the best way to keep your monthly budget low – living in a developing country like the Philippines.

According to a study by The Economist, the best place to live on a monthly budget is the Philippines. In 2023, the average rent for an apartment will be PHP 26,000 or $456 USD.

This amount includes utilities (electricity, water, and gas), transportation costs (car or motorcycle rental, tolls), food expenses (groceries, restaurants), and other miscellaneous expenses (phone bill, taxes). To ensure you’re prepared for all the costs that may come your way, Table of Expenses provides a comprehensive overview of all the necessary costs you’ll face each Month in. So go ahead and start budgeting now!

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of rent and Accommodation in The Philippines per month:

Cost Of Transportation In The Philippines Summary and Table of expenses

The average cost a traveler spends a day on transportation while in the Philippines is $1 to $5 a day USD.

The good news is that there are a few options available to you to reduce the cost of transportation. One option is to use public transportation or rent your own scooter. This is a great way to save money as you don’t have to pay for tolls or parking.

Here are a few different methods of Philippines public transport you can do in the :

• P2P Buses (Uber express & Genesis Transport)
• coupon taxis
• airport metered taxis
• railway (MRT & LRT)
• jeepneys
• Grab taxi
• Local Motorcycle Taxi

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Public Transportation in The Philippines per month:

Here is an example table of expenses for the average monthly transportation costs in the Philippines:

For taxis, you’re looking at a fixed start fee of 40 pesos and an additional 2.5 pesos($1.00 USD) for every 300 meters after that. Tipping is up to you!

• You can also get cabs through the Grab Taxi app on your phone.
• You are probably wondering how the coupon taxis work and how the rate is determined.
• It’s as simple as this: the dispatcher in the area will give you a rate depending on your final destination, and you will be given a coupon which you will hand to your driver after you pay your fee.
• Best for large families and foreigners to the country because you can request large van taxis if you have a lot of luggage to carry.
• For trikes (also known as tricycles), the drivers can drive pretty wild so keep that in mind before deciding to go on here.
• Based on the information in the table above, Manila’s buses, jeepneys, and railway system are your best means of traveling around for cheap.
• Regarding the trains, remember to avoid rush hour, which is from 7-9 am and 5-9 pm on weekdays.
• The buses are a comfortable ride whether you get an airconditioned or non air-conditioned bus but be prepared to hit a lot of traffic on the way to your destination.
• Additionally, renting a scooter can be a good option if you visit multiple places in the Philippines. Still, you must be 18 years or older and have a valid international driver’s license.
• Ultimately we recommend that you rent a scooter. This will give you the best experience, and you can explore the Philippines the best this way.

Cost Of Food In The Philippines Explained: Table Of Expenses

The average cost of food per day in the Philippines is about $5 to $10 per day. Lunch and dinner tend to be more expensive than breakfast, so if you’re eating out, expect to spend around $4.21 (240 pesos) if you decide to dine out.

Another great option is to shop at the local markets for affordable fresh food and cook your meals at home.

But if you eat at local food stalls around your area, eat lots of eggs, and rice, and drink lots of water every day, you’re looking to spend only around $250 on food per Month.

Filipino cuisine relies heavily on vegetables and seafood, so you’ll always be able to find something new to eat. We recommend mostly eating at the local markets. It is the best value for food and money and is incredibly cheap.

The food in the Philippines is as affordable as it is delicious. Rice is a staple crop, and Filipinos are great cooks.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal, head to a local market and try out different varieties of rice, as it can be cooked in many different ways.

You won’t be disappointed!

Here is a table of expenses for the Cost of Food in The Philippines per month:

Here is an example table of expenses for the average monthly food and grocery costs in the Philippines:

Cost of utilities in the Philippines: Table of Expenses:

Here is an example table of expenses for the average monthly utilities in the Philippines:

5 Best Ways To Save Money On Food In The Philippines

Here are 5 best tips to help you out:

1. Buy groceries in bulk or check out discount stores – these stores often have lower prices than regular stores.
2. Eat out less often – cook your meals or eat at local food stalls cheaper than dining at restaurants. 
3. Compare prices between different storefronts before making any purchases.
4. Plan your meals and buy ingredients you can use multiple times.
5. Go in with an organized shopping list, and only shop when you’re hungry!

Healthcare Costs in the Philippines

Medical Tourism is massive in The Philippines. You can get the same care in The Philippines, as you would back in the United States at 1/10th of the price back home. Many hospitals and clinics throughout The Philippines provide high-quality care at reasonable prices. With many doctors that studied in the USA, UK, and Australia. I recommend researching the best hospitals for expats in The Philippines.

We recommend The best travel health Insurance available by SafetyWing We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. It covers any health or medical procedure done.

We suggest you also have it, especially if you live as an expat and digital nomad in The Philippines. We always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. They start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable!

Cost of Taxes in The Philippines by Percentage

Here is in-depth information on the cost of Taxes in the Philippines for each type of Tax and make sure to contact a local tax expert in the Philippines for more information:

Individual Income Tax in the Philippines

• Tax Type: Individual Income Tax
• Tax Rate: 0% – 35%
• Important Information:
  • The Philippines has graduated tax rates from 0% to 35% based on taxable income.
  • Taxable income over ₱250,000 is taxed at 32% up to 35% for income over ₱8 million.
  • There are personal and additional exemptions that reduce taxable income.

Value Added Tax (VAT) in the Philippines

• Tax Type: Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Tax Rate: 12%
• Important Information:
  • VAT of 12% applies to sale of goods and services and importation.
  • Essential food, health, and education are zero-rated or exempt.
  • VAT is collected by businesses and passed on to the government.

Corporate Income Tax in the Philippines

• Tax Type: Corporate Income Tax
• Tax Rate: 25% – 30%
• Important Information:
  • Corporate income tax rate is 25% for small businesses and 30% for large corporations.
  • Optional 15% tax rate for proprietary educational institutions.
  • Tax incentives reduce corporate tax for certain industries and zones.

Property Tax in the Philippines

• Tax Type: Property Tax
• Tax Rate: 0.5% – 2%
• Important Information:
  • Local government units levy real property tax up to 2% based on assessed value.
  • Tax rates vary based on location and classification of property.
  • Exemptions for low-income owner-occupied residences.

Customs Duties in the Philippines

• Tax Type: Customs Duties
• Tax Rate: 3% – 30%
• Important Information:
  • Customs duties from 3% to 30% apply on importation of goods.
  • Higher duties for cars, tobacco, and petroleum products.
  • FTAs like ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement reduce duties.

Table of Tax Rates in the Philippines

How to live cheap in the Philippines

When it comes to living cheap in the Philippines, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind:

• Eat locally, and get a meal for around ($2)USD or less.
• Public transportation is cheap, so don’t bother renting or buying a car.
• Consider staying in a one-bedroom apartment in Baguio or Davao city for only $300 a month, or search locally or on Airbnb for better deals.
• Pick an excellent location to live with nearby accommodations so you can spend less on transportation.

How to save money while living in the Philippines?

There are various ways to save money in the Philippines, including reducing food expenses, lowering utility bills, and cutting back on travel expenses. 

Here are some simple tips anyone (including YOU) can follow!

• Create a financial plan for yourself or for you and your partner
• The budget for food costs (cook at home more than eating out or find a local restaurant to eat at often)
• Cut down on transportation costs (take the bus instead of taxis, or rent a scooter)
• Say NO to unnecessary expenses.
• Skip out on Starbucks and drink flavored water instead! 
• Stay away from the touristic food and tourist spots.

Lastly, remember that communication is critical – keep your partner or family informed about your spending habits so they can help out as needed.

Main FAQS Section About The Cost of living in The Philippines:

Cost Of Living in The Philippines Conclusion

We hope that you have found this blog post helpful! We have summarized the cost of living in The Philippines and provided a table of expenses, provided information on rent, accommodation, food costs, and more! We will be continually updating this blog post! Also, below are many excellent travel resources that will help you in your Journey around the world!

Related articles about The Philippines:

• Also if you want to read the full guide on The Cost Of Living In Manila Philippines Click Here!
• Read here for the Cost of living in Cebu Philippines full Guide Click Here!
• Read the full Cost of living in Boracay Island Philippines Click Here!
• Curious about The Cost of Living in El Nido Palawan Philippines CLICK HERE!
• Read here for the Cost of living in Coron Palawan Philippines HERE!
• Read here for the full guide on the Cost of living in Siargao Philippines Here!
• Read the Full guide on The Cost of Living in Bohol Philippines Here!
• Read the Full guide on The Cost Of living in Davao City Philippines Here!
• COST OF A TRIP To Manila Philippines 2024 [Manila Trip Cost]
• COST OF A TRIP To The Philippines 2024 [Trip Cost]
• For Boracay read COST OF A TRIP To Boracay Philippines 2024 [Trip Cost]
• COST OF A TRIP To Coron Palawan Philippines 2024 [Trip Cost]
• COST OF A TRIP To El Nido Philippines 2024 [Trip Cost]
• COST OF A TRIP To Siargao Philippines 2024 [Trip Cost]
• 51 BEST Travel Apps For The Philippines 2024 (Useful Apps)
• Philippines Packing List (What To Pack For Philippines 2024)

Travel Resources and Reliable Sources For Philippines

• Travel Insurance: We always have travel insurance monthly for international trips and living abroad. We STRONGLY suggest that you also have it, just in case other digital nomads live abroad, and we always use SafetyWing for international travel insurance and medical concerns. SafetyWing is one of the few policies covering Covid-19, and they start at $42 a month! It’s incredible and always reliable! SafetyWing is perfect for Digital Nomads and long-term travelers!
• Heath and Safety: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended precautions.
• Philippines Tourism Board Government Site
• Official Philippines Tourism Board Tourist Friendly Site

If you want to keep up with our travels, go ahead and follow us on our travel page on Instagram @onelifepassport! Comment below what else you would like to know/see about our experiences traveling the world! Also, check out our YouTube Channel!

Check out our recent blog posts:

Salina Cogle

Co Owner of One Life Passport, Subject Matter Expert about Travel and Digital Nomadism, Travel Expert for 7 Years and Travel Youtuber with my Boyfriend Austin at One Life Passport on YouTube. About The Author: Digital Nomad and travel expert of over 7+ Years And Co-Owner Of onelifepassport.com with my Boyfriend Austin, Youtuber, Blogger, Writer and Content Creator traveling the world and creating content.

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